The chairman of Mansakonko Area Council, Landing B. Sanneh, has called for urgent reforms in financial governance, admitting that weak controls and poor oversight contributed to years of mismanagement.

Speaking before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, Sanneh acknowledged that during his tenure, council financial practices were marred by irregularities.

“We failed to follow the law,” he said, “but now we are working hard to put proper controls in place.”

Sanneh revealed that loans and overdrafts were often taken without the necessary authorisation from the finance committee or his office.

Smaller expenditures frequently went unreported, while larger payments lacked sufficient checks.

“The absence of effective financial controls allowed these lapses,” Sanneh told the inquiry, adding that formal expenditure approval thresholds were only introduced in 2024.

The council’s failure to adopt Standing Orders or enforce internal audit recommendations was highlighted as a major weakness. Although an internal audit unit existed, many of its reports were ignored until recently.

Sanneh also raised concerns about conflicts of interest arising from council staff handling both tax assessments and collections.

While he issued directives to rotate staff to reduce risks, the system lacked proper monitoring.

In one troubling case, council vehicles were auctioned off without procurement oversight, with some staff members buying vehicles at suspiciously low prices.

“We need stricter asset management controls,” he admitted.

Questions were also raised about missing receipt books and private receipts amounting to D1.8 million linked to a former finance director, but Sanneh said he was unaware of these issues before the inquiry.

Despite the challenges, Sanneh expressed confidence that reforms are taking root.

 “We have brought in qualified staff, started regular audits, and are enforcing financial laws,” he said.

“It’s a new beginning for Mansakonko Council.”

By Adama Makasuba